Earthquake in Haiti

011310

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

JAMAICA, New York (January 13, 2010) – The Islamic Circle of North America is devastated by the earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday afternoon. Port-au-Prince, Haiti was rocked by a 7.0-magnitude quake that left the Western Hemisphere’s most impoverished nation staggering from its effect.
Nearly 3 million people have been affected by the quake; basic necessities such as water, shelter, medicine and electricity are unavailable to the masses. Port-au-Prince has been “flattened,” and government officials are estimating that there are over 100,000 people dead.

Dr. Zahid Bukhari, president of ICNA, extended his condolences to the Haitian community as well as the Haitian government. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti. Millions of lives have been forever changed by this overwhelming disaster, and those afflicted are in dire need of our assistance. Islam mandates a response to the Haitian appeal for help; as American Muslims it is our duty to do all we can to alleviate the suffering of our brethren in humanity.”

“Remember that thousands—men, women and children—will be sleeping on the streets of Haiti tonight, amidst the rubble and dust that is a testament to what they have lost. Tonight the people of Haiti ask for our support. We must come together and provide them with the help they need to rebuild their nation and their lives.”

ICNA supports the work of Helping Hand USA, which has already begun relief efforts in Haiti, sending funds and dispatching a team of volunteers in the hours following the quake. Donate to Helping Hand’s Haiti Earthquake Fund by clicking here :

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.